The Greene County Compensation Board met Thursday.

Representatives of each county elected official made their initial proposal. Guy Richardson represented Auditor Jane Heun and started the discussion that Heun was asking for a cost of living raise of at least 2.1-percent. 

Tim Heisterkamp represented Treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen. He said last year, Mechaelsen didn’t want a raise, but the Board gave her a $1,700 raise. Heisterkamp said Mechaelsen wanted to prove herself and he thought she did this year. During the 2019 fiscal year, the County collected $47,795 of interest from investments. Through the first five months of the current fiscal year, the County has collected $40,800 of interest. She has also cross-trained all staff and took on the ambulance service account. Heisterkamp noted that Mechaelsen was 66th out of 99 county treasurers for her salary. Heisterkamp advocated for a six-percent raise.

Steve Haupert spoke on behalf of Sheriff Jack Williams. He said Williams’ current salary is around $77,000 and he asked for a four-percent raise. Haupert pointed out, the increase would put Williams near the $81,000 range, which would be comparable to sheriff salaries in Calhoun, Sac and Palo Alto, which are similar sized counties. 

Tom Heater represented Attorney Thomas Laehn. Heater asked for a six-percent raise. Laehn said he has done a lot more civil work, which has saved the county money, along with prosecuting more criminal cases, but he felt he was being paid fairly. Williams pointed out his office morale has increased ten-fold since Laehn took over as County Attorney. 

Jody Paup was absent from the meeting, but submitted a letter on behalf of Recorder Marcia Tasler. Paup asked for a three-percent raise.

Board Chair Mary Jane Fields spoke on behalf of the Supervisors. She said last year the Board approved a $1,000 increase for each Supervisor. She asked for a three-percent raise. 

The Board approved specific percentages for each elected department head. It was recommended that Mechalesen receive a six-percent raise, Laehn five-percent, Williams and Tasler each would get four-percent, and Heun and the Supervisors would get three-percent. The Compensation Board’s recommendation will be presented to the Supervisors for final approval. If it is approved, the increases would take effect at the start of the 2021 fiscal year.